Assessing Hydrological Changes in Response to Climate and Anthropogenic Factors

Abstract

Hydrology, the science of water movement through the Earth’s surface and subsurface, stands at the crossroads of two pivotal forces reshaping our planet: climate change and anthropogenic activities. The intricate relationship between climate and anthropogenic activities significantly affects hydrology, influencing the availability and distribution of freshwater resources worldwide. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is causing alterations in precipitation patterns, temperature regimes, and the melting of glaciers, leading to shifts in hydrological cycles. Simultaneously, human activities like urban expansion, deforestation, and agriculture are altering land use and land cover, resulting in shifts in surface runoff, groundwater replenishment, and water quality. The cumulative result of these climate and anthropogenic influences on hydrology transcends environmental concerns. It affects agricultural productivity, drinking water availability, energy production, water resource management, ecological sustainability, resilience of ecosystems, and human safety. Ecological systems are strained, aquatic habitats deteriorate, and the risk of waterborne diseases surges. Mitigating these repercussions necessitates a holistic approach rooted in a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between climate and human-induced changes in hydrology. The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) was used to analyze the combined effect of climate and anthropogenic activities in the streamflow. Understanding the complex interplay between climate dynamics and human interventions is crucial for devising adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse repercussions on hydrology and foster sustainable water management practices in the face of these evolving challenges.